Netanyahu's 'Fear Campaign' Strategy Analyzed Ahead of Elections
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Strategic advisor Moshe Klughaft analyzed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election strategy, describing it as a 'fear campaign' focused on future threats. Klughaft cited examples like a nuclear explosion ad and a controversial Arabic campaign featuring Gadi Eisenkot and Ahmed Tibi. He also discussed internal opposition dynamics, including Naftali Bennett's rise, and suggested Netanyahu's tactics have proven effective.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Strategic advisor Moshe Klughaft described Netanyahu's strategy as a 'fear campaign' focused on future threats.
- Klughaft cited a nuclear explosion ad and a controversial Arabic campaign as examples of Netanyahu's tactics.
- The Central Elections Committee reportedly ordered the removal of a Likud campaign ad.
- Klughaft discussed internal opposition dynamics, including Gadi Eisenkot's and Naftali Bennett's campaigns.
- The advisor suggested Netanyahu's fear-based campaign has historically been effective.
Strategic advisor Moshe Klughaft described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent political strategy as a 'fear campaign' aimed at mobilizing voters by focusing on future threats rather than past events. Klughaft explained in an interview with 103FM that Netanyahu's approach contrasts with the opposition's focus on investigating past failures, with Netanyahu arguing, 'Leave it, let's talk about what will be, we will be destroyed.' Klughaft noted that fear is inherently about anticipating future dangers.
Klughaft highlighted specific examples of this strategy, including a recent advertisement depicting a nuclear explosion in Tel Aviv and Netanyahu's statements about facing annihilation, linking these to unrest in Europe. He also discussed a Likud campaign advertisement in Arabic featuring Gadi Eisenkot alongside Ahmed Tibi, with the text suggesting a 'minority government.' The Central Elections Committee reportedly ordered its removal, though Klughaft expressed doubt it was fully taken down.
Addressing the opposition bloc, Klughaft suggested that internal competition might lead to increased voter turnout for larger parties. He mentioned Eisenkot's campaign, which he claimed falsely suggests that voting for a larger party would enable a change in Knesset speaker and a mandate from the president. Klughaft also pointed to Naftali Bennett's recent surge in popularity, warning that if both Eisenkot and Bennett gain traction, other parties in the 'change bloc' could suffer.
Klughaft asserted that Netanyahu understands his tactics, stating, 'Netanyahu knows what he is doing.' He also noted that Netanyahu's fear-based campaign has historically been effective and that there is a willingness among some voters to support the largest party if the results appear close.
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